Family well-being is vital to thriving communities, societies, and nations. Families, who are able to make informed decisions, manage their basic needs, and tackle pressing human and community issues are better equipped to lead happy and healthy lives. A range of factors can affect family well-being, and investments in families contribute significantly to the spiritual, social, and economic development of every nation.
Righteousness and trustworthiness
I would like to highlight some basic and key principles for strengthening family unit and for their wellbeing. The Holy Quran has instructed to make righteousness and trustworthiness the foundation for all of our relationships. God Almighty has taught us a prayer in the Holy Quran which is,
“Our Lord! Grant us of our wives and children the delight of our eyes, and make us a model and leader for the righteous.” (25:75)
A role model
It means that, the underlining principles of righteousness, morality, virtues, positivity and piety are the key factors for building strong, healthy, prosperous and vibrant families. The words ‘makes us a role model and a leader for the righteous’, are very important words to ponder over. The message of this verse is that if we truly want strong, healthy, valued and principled families, if we truly are concerned for the wellbeing of our families, then we must display high moral values; then we must lead by examples, then we must try to become people of tall and strong character.
For strengthening the family, everyone must let go every kind of arrogance, pride, jealousy etc. Instead, the relationship should be like that of true and sincere friends. In addition, patience and forbearance is the key to a successful, peaceful and harmonious family life.
A garment for each other
For the family wellbeing the relationship of parents is vital and both should complement each other in every matter. The teaching of the Holy Quran in this regard is: “Your wives are a garment for you, and you are a garment for your wives.” (2:188)
This verse points out that in the institution of marriage, mere fulfillment of individual pleasure and emotional gratification is not the ultimate goal, rather the goal is to create a harmonious environment of trust, respect and love between the married couple and their families.
The reformation of the youth
I would like to quote two wonderful quotations, as guiding principles and food for thought, for better and stronger future families. Napoleon once said: “Give me an educated mother, I shall promise you the birth of a civilized, educated nation.”
The second Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has provided us a golden principle that, “Nations cannot be reformed without the reformation of the youth.” If we truly desire the wellbeing of our families then we must reform our youth so when they form their families they always keep their families wellbeing close to their heart and an integral part of their priorities.
Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta 